Crime scene investigator builds on years of experience by pursuing degree at WSU
OGDEN, Utah — Criminal justice student Nick Jensen has been the lead investigator on more than 400 crime scenes.
He currently works as a detective in the Davis County Sheriff's Office crime lab, where he’s one of four crime scene investigators serving Davis County and, occasionally, other cities or counties that call for backup. 
“This is a really tough job, and it’s tough for a bunch of reasons,” Jensen said, noting the demanding schedule and emotional toll of some investigations.
For Jensen, those challenges made it important to choose a school that would help him excel in such a difficult field. He had strong on-the-job training and experience but wanted to expand his knowledge and abilities by getting a degree.
That brought him to Weber State.
“Learning from people who’ve done this for decades, people who understand the job, is really, really helpful,” Jensen said. “They’re hitting on the things that matter and they’re hitting on the importance of doing things the right way every time.”
WSU’s crime scene investigation program has three full-time faculty members who have more than 65 years of collective experience.
Since joining the program, Jensen said he’s added to his expertise, becoming a better crime scene investigator along the way.
He’s also left his own mark on the department, contributing to a key feature of the department’s CSI house, which provides students an elevated learning experience by simulating scenarios they might encounter in the field.
Jensen helped create a trajectory wall — removable drywall panels with bullet holes created from different caliber firearms — for the house, located on WSU’s Ogden campus. Students can study the varying angles and distances to analyze bullet paths.
As someone who has experience with both real-life and simulated crime scenes, Jensen knows the importance of having a space to practice and apply concepts. WSU’s CSI program ensures students have opportunities to take what they’ve learned and effectively use that outside of the classroom.
“Putting together a mock crime scene is always going to be a little lacking compared to the chaos of a real scene,” Jensen said. “But getting experience in a more realistic space is really helpful in bridging the gap between the academic and the practical.”
Jensen has even visited Salt Lake City’s Capitol Hill to advocate for legislative support and interest in the CSI house.
After graduating, he plans to continue working as a crime scene investigator. He knows it’s a job that isn’t for everyone, but that’s what keeps him coming back.
“There are things in this career that I’m able to do, like allow families or victims closure and justice, that might not happen otherwise,” Jensen said. “This is something I’ve chosen to do, and taking on that responsibility is a powerful motivator for me.”
Rachel Badali, news coordinator
801-626-7362, rachelbadali@weber.edu- Contact:
Rachel Badali, news coordinator
801-626-7362, rachelbadali@weber.edu